Warren Entsch calls for answers over Toyah Cordingley’s murder
An attempt to extradite a suspect in relation to the callous murder of Toyah Cordingley has taken another twist.
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UPDATE, MAY 26: LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has asked for some answers over the alleged murder of Toyah Cordingley after it was confirmed the extradition of the suspect had been adjourned.
Mr Entsch said he tried finding out some details a couple weeks ago but was unable to and was waiting to ask again once the government was formed.
But he said it was time for some explanation.
“Right from the beginning I’ve had direct communication with everyone, as we finalised extradition orders, I’ve had communications with Toyah’s mum,” Mr Entsch said.
“I will continue to work with them. At the end of the day, we all want to see the family get some closure.”
Mr Entsch said he knew from the beginning that extraditions out of India were extremely difficult but if something was happening internally it was important that the family knew.
Speaking about the matter generally he said: “We want the man who did this to be held accountable.”
“Until he is held accountable wherever he is, no young woman is safe.”
EARLIER, MAY 23: THE FAMILY of murdered Cairns woman Toyah Cordingley have waited almost four years for justice over her death, only for the extradition request of the main suspect to come to a halt.
The Australian Attorney-General’s Department confirmed on Sunday night the extradition has been adjourned as Indian police search for the suspect – Rajwinder Singh – with no luck so far.
Mr Singh was a nurse working in Innisfail at the time, who is believed to have fled from Cairns to India on the day of Toyah’s death.
Meanwhile, Toyah’s mother Vanessa Gardiner is left waiting every day for the phone call to say the suspect has been found.
“I’m absolutely devastated, I just want justice for Toyah,” she said.
“It’s been way too long, I just wait everyday, hoping I’ll get that call I’ve been waiting on for nearly four years.
“When everything first happened, I had no idea how long it would take to find [the person responsible].”
Ms Gardiner said the police had kept her updated on any news that might finally lead to justice for Toyah.
“The police are doing everything they possibly can, they get in contact every few months and I realise that the elections both here and in India are slowing things down again,” she said.
“I have had calls recently from people who been told by the media [he] had been caught and while I was hoping it was true, I knew in my heart it wasn’t.
“All the false hope does is break my heart even more,” she said.
“Toyah should have had many more years to live out her hopes and dreams instead of having her life stolen … he needs to be found and face justice.”
EARLIER: MOVES to bring a suspect for the murder of Toyah Cordingley from India have hit an obstacle.
It was confirmed on Sunday night by the Attorney-General’s Department the signed extradition request in March 2021 that was presented to the Indian government has hit a standstill.
“The matter has been adjourned in India to allow the authorities to make further location inquiries,” a spokesperson said.
“It is now a matter for Indian authorities to progress the request.
“This matter remains a high priority for the Australian Government, and we will continue to engage with Indian authorities regarding the matter.
Toyah Cordingley was reported missing after taking her dog for a walk at Wangetti Beach on October 21, 2018.
It is believed that the person of interest, nurse Rajwinder Singh fled to India on that same day.
On December 3, 2019 the Queensland Director of Public Prosecutions gave an undertaking to prosecute Mr Singh which kicked of the processes for the department to start its extradition effort.
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Originally published as Warren Entsch calls for answers over Toyah Cordingley’s murder
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